Qatar continues its efforts to promote labour rights in accordance with international standards, the head of the United Nations Working Group of the Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights Dante Pesce has said, adding that this will move the country forward in the right way towards the organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with Arrayah newspaper on Monday, Pesce said that raising all issues with the utmost freedom and transparency in the Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights which was hosted by Doha over two days recently, reflects the transparency and openness of the Qatari authorities on all issues related to the organisation of the World Cup.
He added that despite the campaigns directed against Qatar since winning the World Cup bid, Doha did not hesitate to apply to host such a regional event, knowing fully well that thorny issues might be raised. This is a sign of the openness and the sincere desire for development and commitment towards human rights.
The head of the United Nations Working Group said that he sensed during his meetings with Qatari officials that Doha is taking important decisions to improve workers’ conditions in accordance with the international standards. Considering the participation of a number of officials of the Qatari government in sporting events’ sessions during the forum reflects the openness of the Qatari authorities and their desire to improve the situation.
Pesce indicated that the participation of the International Federation of Football “FIFA” in the Asian Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights was very distinct, confirming FIFA’s commitment and keenness on human rights issues, as well as the participation of the Higher Committee for Projects and Inheritance which is responsible for organising the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He called for the need to find practical implementation for human rights issue, not only for Qatar but for the entire world with regard to the organisation of the World Cup, expecting that FIFA will take these things into account with the upcoming World Cups.
In a presentation about Qatar’s efforts on human rights issues, made by the Secretary-General of Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Hassan al-Thawadi during the session on the ‘Impact of mega sporting events on human rights’, which was held within the Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights, the Higher Committee for Projects and Inheritance has said that the State of Qatar is committed to development and reform in the field of human rights, and will continue in this path even beyond 2022 World Cup.